18 Games Like Genshin Impact To Play in 2025
Since its launch in 2020, *Genshin Impact* has captivated millions of players worldwide, setting a new standard for free-to-play, open-world action RPGs. Its breathtaking cel-shaded art style, rewarding exploration, and dynamic elemental combat system created a formula that many have tried to replicate. The thrill of discovering every corner of Teyvat, collecting a roster of powerful and stylish characters, and unraveling a deep, ongoing story has kept its community engaged for years. For players who have scaled every mountain in Liyue and sailed every sea in Inazuma, the question arises: what's next?
Fortunately, the gaming landscape is rich with experiences that echo the best parts of *Genshin Impact*. Whether you're seeking another vast world to explore, a new cast of characters to collect, or a similarly fast-paced combat system, there's a game out there for you. We've curated a definitive list of 18 incredible games that capture the spirit of *Genshin Impact*, perfect for diving into as we head into 2025.
Upcoming & New Releases on the Horizon
These are the titles generating immense excitement, poised to become the next big thing for fans of open-world anime RPGs. Keep a close eye on these as they are set to define the genre in the coming year.
- Wuthering Waves: Perhaps the most anticipated title for *Genshin* fans, *Wuthering Waves* is a free-to-play action RPG that promises a post-apocalyptic open world, fluid and fast-paced combat, and a deep, engaging narrative. Its darker, more mature tone and highly mobile combat system have many players eager to see how it will innovate on the formula.
- Zenless Zone Zero: From the creators of *Genshin Impact* themselves, this upcoming title shifts the setting to a futuristic urban metropolis. While it focuses on more contained, action-packed rogue-like missions rather than a sprawling open world, it retains the developer's signature high-quality art, character design, and thrilling combat.
- Arknights: Endfield: Spinning off from the popular tower defense game *Arknights*, *Endfield* is a 3D real-time RPG with strategic elements. Players will explore the wild frontiers of a planet called Talos-II, managing a base and leading a squad of characters in tactical combat against massive enemies.
- Blue Protocol: An online action RPG with a gorgeous anime aesthetic, *Blue Protocol* invites players into the world of Regnas. As an MMORPG, it heavily emphasizes cooperative play, allowing you to team up with friends to take on massive world bosses and dungeons in a beautifully realized, seamless world.
The Best Free-to-Play Alternatives
If the "free-to-play" aspect is a major draw for you, these games offer hundreds of hours of content without an initial price tag. They feature ongoing updates and gacha-style collection systems that will feel familiar to any Traveler.
- Honkai: Star Rail: Another smash hit from the developers of *Genshin Impact*, *Star Rail* trades open-world exploration for a galaxy-spanning, turn-based journey aboard a cosmic train. It features the same stunning character designs, deep lore, and high production values, making it a perfect change of pace for those who love the universe-building and character collection aspects of its predecessor.
- Tower of Fantasy: Often seen as a direct competitor, *Tower of Fantasy* offers a sci-fi spin on the open-world action RPG. It sets itself apart with a robust character creator, a shared-world MMO experience, and unique sci-fi-inspired weapons and vehicles, like jetpacks and motorcycles, for traversing its world.
- Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis: This massive overhaul of the classic online RPG offers huge open zones to explore with unparalleled character mobility. The action combat is incredibly fast and responsive, and its deep character customization is second to none. If you enjoy the co-op and combat of *Genshin*, this sci-fi MMO is a great choice.
- Final Fantasy XIV: While a subscription-based MMO, its legendary free trial is one of the best deals in gaming. It includes the entire base game and its first two award-winning expansions, offering a massive, story-rich world to explore that can easily last hundreds of hours. Its high-fantasy setting and epic narrative will resonate strongly with *Genshin* fans.
Premium Single-Player RPGs to Lose Yourself In
For those who want a complete, self-contained adventure without gacha mechanics or live-service elements, these premium titles offer some of the best open-world experiences available.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: The direct sequel to the game that heavily inspired *Genshin Impact*, *Tears of the Kingdom* expands on its predecessor in every way. Its physics-based sandbox and incredible building mechanics provide limitless creativity in how you explore the vast lands and sky islands of Hyrule.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: The original masterpiece. If you haven't played it, this is essential. Its focus on player-driven exploration, environmental puzzles, and emergent gameplay set the blueprint for the modern open-world genre.
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3: For players who love deep stories and truly massive worlds, this JRPG is a must-play. Its world is filled with gigantic creatures and stunning vistas, and its complex but rewarding combat system involves controlling a party of seven characters in real-time.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: The second part of the *FFVII Remake* saga opens up the world significantly, allowing players to explore massive, continent-sized zones. Its hybrid action and command-based combat is spectacular, and its story and characters are among the most beloved in gaming history.
- Tales of Arise: This game is a visual feast, with a beautiful "Atmospheric Shader" that gives it a distinct watercolor painting look. Its combat is lightning-fast and combo-heavy, and its compelling story of liberation makes for an unforgettable journey.
- Dragon's Dogma 2: An action RPG that puts a unique spin on party-based combat with its "Pawn" system. You create an AI companion who learns from you and can be hired by other players. Its deliberate, impactful combat and focus on discovery make for a truly immersive fantasy adventure.
- Granblue Fantasy: Relink: Based on the popular mobile game, *Relink* is a polished action RPG with incredible co-op integration. You can play through the entire story with friends, taking on epic boss battles that feel straight out of a high-budget anime series.
- Immortals Fenyx Rising: With a vibrant, colorful world steeped in Greek mythology and a healthy dose of humor, this game is a lighthearted and fun take on the open-world formula. Its mix of combat, platforming, and environmental puzzles will feel right at home for fans of *Genshin*'s exploration.
- Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom: Featuring a whimsical art style with contributions from a former Studio Ghibli artist, this game is pure charm. Beyond its fluid action combat and beautiful world, it includes a robust kingdom-building simulation, adding a unique strategic layer to the experience.
- Elden Ring: If you love the exploration and fantasy setting of *Genshin Impact* but wish the combat was significantly more challenging and punishing, *Elden Ring* is your game. Its vast, mysterious world is unmatched in its sense of scale and danger, offering a truly epic and demanding adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a game "like Genshin Impact"?
Games typically compared to *Genshin Impact* share several key traits: a vibrant, often anime-inspired art style; a large open world that rewards exploration; a real-time, action-oriented combat system; and RPG elements like character progression and equipment upgrades. Many, but not all, also include a character-collection or "gacha" mechanic.
Are all games like Genshin Impact free-to-play?
No. While *Genshin Impact* popularized the high-production-value free-to-play model, many similar games are premium, single-purchase titles. Games like *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom* or *Tales of Arise* offer complete, self-contained experiences without any microtransactions or live-service elements.
What is the most similar upcoming game to Genshin Impact?
Based on gameplay reveals and player anticipation, *Wuthering Waves* is widely considered the most similar upcoming game. It features an open world, an action combat system with character-switching, and a free-to-play model that directly competes with *Genshin Impact*.